April 2012 Archive

29
Apr
2012
jloomis

Snow Camping Near Bennett Pass Sno-Park

Snow Camping Near Bennett Pass, Oregon

It seems like we had a very short winter this year, with Spring now in full swing. I am not quite ready to say goodbye to the snow. Luckily we still have snow in the upper elevations, so my friend John and I decided to go snow camping one last time this season. We hitched up my snowmobiles, loaded up my gear sleds, and headed toward Mt Hood. Our original plan was to head to forest service road 44 and see how far we could drive before unloading the snowmobiles and continue on FSR 4410 toward Lookout Mountain (before entering Badger Creek Wilderness Area).

17
Apr
2012
jloomis

CAMP Corsa Nanotech Ice Axe Review

Product Rating: 
5
CAMP Corsa Nanotech Ice Axe

Features:

The CAMP Corsa Nanotech is the most advanced mountaineering ice axe on the market. It's constructed of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy with Sandvik Nanoflex® steel reinforcements on the pick and spike. The steel components dramatically increase the durability and strength of these critical points without significantly increasing the weight of the axe. In addition, the Corsa Nanotech has an aggressive single-curve shaft that provides better clearance without interfering with walking or plunging performance. It's the second lightest axe in the world suited for high altitude climbing and ski mountaineering.

15
Apr
2012
jloomis

Climbing Mt Hood Cooper Spur Route

Climbing Mt Hood via Cooper Spur Route

After poor visibility sent us home 800 vertical feet shy of Mt Hood's 11,249' summit last Saturday, Matt and I decided to climb Hood again on Sunday. This time we chose the Cooper Spur route which starts from the Tilly Jane trailhead since there is still snow on Cloud Cap road (near Cooper Spur Ski Area). The route begins at around 3,800 feet elevation on Mt Hood's Northeast side and gains more than 7,000 vertical feet over about 5.8 miles to the summit. The route follows the Tilly Jane Ski Trail #643 to Tilly Jane Trail #600A to Cooper Spur #600B to about 8,500 feet in elevation.

12
Apr
2012
jloomis

Conform'able Pack Pro Set Battery Heated Insoles Review

Product Rating: 
4
Conform'able Pack Pro Set Foot Warming System w/Winter Insoles

Features:

The Pack PRO set foot warming system by Conform'able consists of two pro batteries good for 8 hours of heat on the low setting. This battery-heated insole set includes two heating elements, charger (with adapters), and Custom H insole covers for attaching the heating elements to the insoles of your choice. Volcano H insoles with the heating elements pre-installed are also available along with other accessories such as extension cords and velcro straps. The rechargeable lithium-ion PRO batteries feature three heating levels with LED indicator. The heated insoles can also be used to dry your boots while charging (allow 6-7 hours versus 3-4 without drying option). The Comform'able foot warming system is great for keeping toes comfortable during any cold weather activity from skiing to ice climbing.

09
Apr
2012
jloomis

Hillsound Armadillo Gaiters Review

Product Rating: 
5
Hillsound Armadillo Gaiters

Features:

The Hillsound Armadillo Gaiters are lightweight, contour-fitting gaiters for any rugged adventurer. They feature a waterproof, breathable, stretch membrane that is designed for all day comfort. The easy to use YKK® zipper makes them easy to get on and off and the field replaceable instep strap ensures unforeseen mishaps won't dampen your plans. There is also a waterproof padded zipper placket which eliminates pressure points and makes the Armadillo gaiters completely waterproof.

07
Apr
2012
jloomis

Skiing at Timberline - Mt Hood, Oregon

Timberline Lodge and Mt Hood, Oregon

After climbing Mt Hood Saturday (we didn't quite make it due to weather conditions) and re-energizing with lunch at the Cascade Dining Room in Timberline Lodge, I went downhill skiing for a couple hours at Timberline Ski Area before they closed for the day. My friend Jordan from work had been skiing all day at Timberline, so we met up at lunch before hitting the slopes.

07
Apr
2012
jloomis

Mt Hood Summit Attempt

Mt Hood, Oregon

The weather forecast finally predicted a mostly sunny day Saturday with moderate to low avalanche danger on Mt Hood. My last Mt Hood climb was an unsuccessful attempt up the Leuthold Coulior route due to illness and poor fitting boots. My friend Matt and I decided to try the Leuthold Couloir route again along with another climber Ryan. This technical route starts at Timberline Lodge (same starting point as the popular South route). Leuthold Couliour is to the West (climbers left) and above Illumination Rock.

05
Apr
2012
jloomis

5th Element LK Pro Ski Boards Review

Product Rating: 
3
5th Element LK Pro Ski Boards

Features:

The 5th Element LK Pro Ski Boards are similar to regular skis, but smaller. Their small size makes them very maneuverable and great for beginners to advanced skiers wanting to try something new. The wood core design of the LK Pro Ski Boards provides stability and the full wrap stainless steel edge gives fantastic edge grip. Features adjustable (up to 35.5 cm boot sole) non-releasable bindings, tip protectors, and easy clip on leashes.

01
Apr
2012
jloomis

Downhill Skiing at Timberline Ski Area, Oregon

Wintery Day on Mt Hood, Oregon

I finally made it up to Mt Hood for a full day of downhill skiing at Timberline Ski Area on Sunday. It had been over a year since I last skied, but hopefully I will be up a few more times this season since I purchased a spring skiing pass. My friend is getting into ski mountaineering, so I figure I better brush up on my skills and spend some time on the mountain this spring.